It was a foggy drive to Twickenham for the Eagles, which thankfully gave way to a beautiful sunny morning just in time for kick-off. There was a slight delay to the start while we waited for a referee, flags and the nets to be sorted, giving the girls plenty of time to prepare. After a rather lacklustre warm-up, they soon switched into game mode and got stuck in from the start.
The Eagles dominated the first half, attacking with purpose and putting Whitton under plenty of pressure. At the back, Heidi, Tabs, Ria and Ava were solid, dealing confidently with the Whitton forwards, making well timed tackles and moving the ball into midfield.
In the middle of the pitch Freya, Bonnie and Emma, brought huge energy to the game alongside Ruby, playing her first full game in midfield. Between them they began to dominate the opposition with their relentless chasing, tackling, interceptions and some deft passing out to the wings. Some of their link up play was outstanding as they looked to move the ball around rather than kick it away when under pressure.
Up front, Tori and Lyla moved well to find space down the wings. Both players demonstrated some lovely touches to link with Freya who continued to push forward out of midfield, and they put in a number of dangerous crosses which put pressure on the Whitton defence and goalkeeper. However, Whitton had a very strong and experienced goalkeeper who dominated her area, came out well when needed and made some important saves to keep her side in the game.
Twenty minutes into the half Cassidy came on in defence, which was not her usual position and she had an assured performance making some excellent interceptions and playing some sharp passes to move the ball into midfield. A special mention also goes to Molly, who somehow made it to the game after the car she was in suffered a puncture on the way! She came on for the second half to relieve Heidi and brought some fresh legs combined with calm, secure defending.
At half-time, the coaches talked through a couple of tactical points, particularly emphasising the importance of not dithering with the ball in their own penalty area and making better use of the wings by playing the ball into space out wide rather than down the middle of the pitch where it was more congested.
The second half was more evenly contested, with Whitton having more spells of pressure, but the Eagles continued to look the more dangerous side. An indirect free kick, taken by Ruby, didn't quite land as hoped, but only a few minutes later came the moment everyone will remember.
A lovely bit of interplay in midfield put Freya into space just outside the penalty area. She struck the ball fiercely and watched it rise over the Whitton goalkeeper before dipping spectacularly into the net an amazing goal - cue huge celebrations from the Eagles.
The final seven minutes were a little nervy as Whitton changed their formation and threw players forward in search of an equaliser. There was plenty of pressure around the Eagles' goal and several corners, but the girls defended bravely with Tabs, Ria, Molly and Bonnie all closing down attacks quickly and Seren in goal quickly out to smother any shots that were on target. The match ended with the eagles in possession with Lyla dribbling down the right wing, intent on keeping the ball away from the Eagles penalty area.
This as one of the toughest games the Eagles have played with several of the opposition players, including the goalkeeper having previously played in a much higher division before their two teams merged at the start of this season. Another fantastic team performance and a very well-deserved three points. Well done, Eagles! ?⚽
Star players: Heidi and Tabs